CRUCH rejects the acts of violence that have occurred within the framework of the legitimate right of the various social actors to the civic demonstration of their demands and proposals in relation to public policies

In its session of May 28, 2015, the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities unanimously agreed to publicly express its rejection of the acts of violence that have occurred within the framework of the legitimate right of the various social actors to the civic demonstration of their demands and proposals in relation to public policies.

In this context, we have unfortunately observed excesses in the maintenance of public order by members of the police forces. We believe it is crucial that they act responsibly in the performance of their duties, since the force of the State they represent must be exercised in accordance with legal procedures and basic principles of proportionality. This action should contribute to civic coexistence and, of course, to respect for the exercise of civic rights in democratic societies. Repression undermines these principles of coexistence.

We value the right of all social actors to demonstrate peacefully and responsibly. Likewise, we emphatically reject any threat or harm to people or public or private property. These actions in no way contribute to the promotion of the legitimate demands invoked. Similarly, we reject the occupation of university buildings as they are contrary to the exercise of public rights and freedoms.

At the same time, this Council wishes to publicly express its solidarity with the family of Rodrigo Avilés, a student at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, as well as with his parents, classmates, and the university community. We also wish him a swift and full recovery. Furthermore, we express our solidarity with Luciano Debrott, a student at the University of Santiago, and his family, who was struck in the right eye by a tear gas canister during the student protests of May 14th, and whose recovery remains uncertain.